Lamborghini Rejects Manual Transmission as Ferrari Embraces Heritage

Ferrari N.V. has found itself in a unique position within the Italian supercar market following recent comments from its crosstown rival. While Ferrari recently surprised enthusiasts by introducing a manual transmission option for its V12 flagship, Lamborghini has explicitly ruled out following suit.

Federico Foschini, Lamborghini’s chief marketing and sales officer, stated during the Goodwood Festival of Speed that the brand has no plans to reintroduce a manual gearbox. Although he acknowledged a niche segment of customers desires a stick shift, Foschini indicated that this does not align with the company’s current direction. He argued that modern dual-clutch transmissions offer a level of performance and driving engagement that manual gearboxes cannot match.

The stance highlights a divergence in strategy between the two manufacturers. Ferrari recently unveiled the 12Cilindri Manuale, featuring a gated shifter, signaling a willingness to cater to traditionalist driving experiences. Conversely, Lamborghini remains focused on metrics such as shift speed, consistency, and acceleration figures, prioritizing outright lap performance over the tactile connection provided by a clutch pedal.

This decision means that Ferrari effectively stands alone in offering a manual transmission in the high-end Italian V12 segment. While automatic and dual-clutch systems undeniably provide faster acceleration and precise gear changes, Lamborghini’s move suggests that the brand believes the market for ultra-high-performance vehicles has moved past the need for manual driver inputs.

What to watch

• Ferrari N.V. next quarterly earnings report.
• Production figures for the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale to gauge demand for manual supercars.
• Future model announcements from Lamborghini regarding hybridization and transmission technology.

Source: original release